Navy War Room: Trial to be held in-camera

The proceedings may comprise detailed viewing of "sensitive documents which cannot be done publicly.

The proceedings in the high-profile Navy War Room leak case will now remain out of the public eye with a Delhi court ordering in-camera hearing of the sensitive case which shook the defence establishment.

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The proceedings may comprise detailed viewing of "sensitive documents which cannot be done publicly due to the nature and seriousness of the case," Chief Metropolitan Magistrate CMM Seema Maini said allowing CBI application.

The agency had sought in-camera proceedings saying that the investigation was still in a premature stage and the public hearing of the case might hamper further probe as some more persons were likely to be arrested in the case.

CBI also moved an application seeking a direction to ensure that the material or document placed by it before the court be not allowed to be accessed by anyone including the accused persons.

The Court posted the hearing on the application on Friday, the day it will consider the bail plea of former naval commander VK Jha and Mukesh Bajaj who are in judicial custody.

According to Official Secrets Act, in-camera proceedings is a procedural precaution adopted by courts to protect information categorised as "classified" in the best national interest.

Meanwhile, sacked naval commander Vinod Rana and Kulbhushan Parashar, who have been in police custody since their arrest on April 6, were sent to judicial custody till April 24.